God's Holy Fire: 'Boldness!'

I am touched by several things in the prayer of these early followers of Jesus when they were threatened (Acts 4:24-30 NIV). First, they acknowledge the sovereignty and power of God. Second, they recognize that the situation they face is the fulfillment of prophecy - they are where they are supposed to be, doing what they are supposed to do, even though times are tough. Third, they ask God to "consider" the threats they face (Acts 4:29 NIV). However, they do not ask him to remove the threats, but rather they ask for him to embolden them to speak the message of Jesus and show his power in their ministry! No wonder the place shook and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit to speak with boldness. So let's follow their example and recognize God's greatness, realize we are where we are for such a time as this, and ask God to embolden and empower us to share Jesus and demonstrate his power in our lives and ministries.